"Better than Ronaldo" "Underrated baller of this generation" - Fans hail Lionel Messi's Argentina teammate after win over Peru 

Fans have praised Lionel Messi's teammate Lautauro Martinez after his performance in Argentina's 1-0 win over Peru. The two sides faced off in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, November 19.

Martinez was the difference maker, scoring the lone goal to seal victory for La Albiceleste. After a goalless first half, the Inter Milan forward scored a stunning left-footed volley in the 55th minute via Messi's assist.

Martinez's goal against Peru was his 32nd for Argentina. The 27-year-old has now equaled Diego Maradona's goal tally for Argentina and has moved into the top five of his nation's all-time goalscorers.

Several fans took to X to laud Martinez after his performance against Peru. One fan opined that he is better than Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He’s better than Ronaldo," the fan wrote.

A second fan mentioned that Martinez is underrated.

"Martinez is written to be the underrated baller of this generation," the fan posted.

"He is better than Haaland," one fan claimed.

"Martínez is a legend!," another fan tweeted.

"Told ya, it’s Lautaro’s year," a fan commeneted.

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, also put on a decent shift despite not getting on the scoresheet. Aside from the assist to Martinez, he made three key passes, had a pass accuracy of 74 percent, and completed two successful dribbles from four attempts. The Argentina skipper finished with the highest rating among his teammates (8.2 via Sofascore).

---

Lionel Messi becomes joint-top assist provider in international football

Lionel Messi reached a new milestone in Argentina's 1-0 win over Peru. The Inter Miami superstar set up Lautaro Martinez for his side's only goal in the clash. In doing so, he recorded his 58th assist for La Albiceleste.

Messi is now the joint-top assist maker in men's international football, equalling the record of former USMNT star Landon Donovan. He has now recorded 112 goals and 58 assists in 191 games for Argentina.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has 850 goals and 379 assists in 1083 games for club and country.